April 17 (Bloomberg) -- The National Basketball Association suspended referee Joe Crawford at least through the playoffs after his ejection of San Antonio's Tim Duncan in a game against Dallas two days ago.

Duncan was ejected from San Antonio's loss to the Mavericks after receiving his second technical foul while sitting on the bench. After the game he said Crawford, in his 31st NBA season, challenged him to a fight.

A statement from the NBA today said Crawford was punished ``for improper conduct toward Tim Duncan,'' including the second technical and ejection.

``Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees,'' NBA Commissioner David Stern said. ``Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted.''

Lon Babby, Duncan's agent, didn't immediately respond to a voicemail message seeking comment. Lamell McMorris, head of the NBA referees' association, declined to comment.

Crawford, 55, told a pool reporter after the game that Duncan had been complaining the entire contest. Crawford has a reputation in the NBA as being quick to give technical fouls.

Stern said the league would have more discussions with Crawford ``to be sure he understands his responsibilities.''

Duncan said Crawford has a ``personal vendetta'' against him.

``He looked at me and said, `Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?''' Duncan, a former NBA Most Valuable Player, said.

It was the second ejection of Duncan's 10-year career. The first was subsequently overturned by the league office.

April 17 (Bloomberg) -- The National Basketball Association suspended referee Joe Crawford at least through the playoffs after his ejection of San Antonio's Tim Duncan in a game against Dallas two days ago.

Duncan was ejected from San Antonio's loss to the Mavericks after receiving his second technical foul while sitting on the bench. After the game he said Crawford, in his 31st NBA season, challenged him to a fight.

A statement from the NBA today said Crawford was punished ``for improper conduct toward Tim Duncan,'' including the second technical and ejection.

``Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees,'' NBA Commissioner David Stern said. ``Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted.''

Lon Babby, Duncan's agent, didn't immediately respond to a voicemail message seeking comment. Lamell McMorris, head of the NBA referees' association, declined to comment.

Crawford, 55, told a pool reporter after the game that Duncan had been complaining the entire contest. Crawford has a reputation in the NBA as being quick to give technical fouls.

Stern said the league would have more discussions with Crawford ``to be sure he understands his responsibilities.''

Duncan said Crawford has a ``personal vendetta'' against him.

``He looked at me and said, `Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?''' Duncan, a former NBA Most Valuable Player, said.

It was the second ejection of Duncan's 10-year career. The first was subsequently overturned by the league office.



Wow, So Joey C will not be in the playoffs-lol I figured something would happen when duncan said joe said-You want to fight

Good. He possibly ruined the chance for the Spurs to enter the playoffs as the #2 seed, so I think it fits the crime.

Good. He possibly ruined the chance for the Spurs to enter the playoffs as the #2 seed, so I think it fits the crime.


It doesn't look like it to me, before the game the Spurs had 58 wins and the Suns had 61 with only 2 left to play

It doesn't look like it to me, before the game the Spurs had 58 wins and the Suns had 61 with only 2 left to play

If the Spurs won the game Duncan got tossed from, and their last two, and Phoenix losing their last 2, they would have both finished 61-21, with the Spurs winning the tie breaker.

Not like this was super likely to happen, but the Spurs still had a shot at the #2 spot.

He got what he deserved. He acts likes he's some ambassdor in the NBA. Tim Duncan didn't deserved to be fined $25,000 though.

If the Spurs won the game Duncan got tossed from, and their last two, and Phoenix losing their last 2, they would have both finished 61-21, with the Spurs winning the tie breaker.

Not like this was super likely to happen, but the Spurs still had a shot at the #2 spot.



I don't think it matters who the Spurs play because they will win and I expect them to be in the Finals

Good.

I cracked up when I heard this earlier. Fitting, I guess. :lol:

You get what you deserve. This is a perfect example. This guy is one of the most respected in the league and he goes and does something stupid like this.

yay;) im thrilled i personally think he should have retired about 2 seasons ago

Looks like he is gone for good because he has to meet with joey crawford to be reinstated in the NBA

Looks like he is gone for good because he has to meet with joey crawford to be reinstated in the NBA

Unless Crawford decided to retire, Stern will let him back in. Crawford has been voted many times over by the players as one of the best referees in the league. He just went brain-dead and acted like an ass. I'm glad that Stern made his suspension for the playoffs too.

Tim Duncan should've never been ejected. There was nothing wrong with him laughing on the bench. Joey Crawford is a d*ckhead.